SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY – Soc 310
Fall 2015
Sociology 310: (CRN 46555) T/Th 8:00-9:50 in Forestry 201
Instructor: Chris Martinek
Sociology Department
Email: cam30@humboldt.edu
Phone 707-826-4445x___
Office: BSS 538
Office hours: M/W 4:30-5:00 & Tues. 11-12
and by appointment
SYLLABUS
Course Description
This course is an in depth study of classical sociological theory focusing on the shapers,
intellectual visionaries, and seminal scholars who forged the backbone upon which the discipline and
profession of sociology is based. We will explore the life and writings of a number of these theorists,
paying special attention to the social and historical situation in which they lived and worked. We will
focus most of our time on three of the most notable, if not controversial, social theorists: Marx, Weber
and Durkheim. We will also examine some lesser-known scholars – contemporaries of the “big three” –
who were just as prolific and equally path-breaking in their sociological analyses, such as Harriett
Martineau, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and W.E.B. Du Bois, to get a perspective on important theorists that
are often left out. We will become very familiar with how each of these individuals influenced the
development of sociology and how their ideas maintain, even today, their power.
Course Design
This course is an upper level sociology course that is required for the major. It is the course in our
curriculum where writing skills are to be developed. Formal essays will be written in draft form,
rewritten, and in some cases written a third time. Students will gain experience in reading and responding
to social theories and gain the ability to place these thinkers within the history of western thought. Course
readings will be from both primary and secondary sources. We meet twice a week, so these readings will
average around fifty (50) pages per class. Please budget your time accordingly to get these readings done.
The use of Moodle is a requirement of the course as both reading and writing assignments will be found
on it.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
 Identify and explain the significance of many of the central concepts and arguments in classical
sociological theory;
 To read, understand and be able to write about basic theoretical issues in the social sciences;
 Understand the theoretical arguments that the authors are making — the logic of their
arguments, the underlying assumptions, the internal contradictions and difficulties the arguments
encounter, and the ways in which the authors (sometimes) support their theoretical arguments
with data;
 Construct your own theoretical arguments in sociology;
 Recognize that sociology is a multi-theoretical science;
 Apply classical sociological theory and concepts to an increasing international, globalized
world;
 Present theoretical debates in a constructive and critical way;
 Assess different classical approaches to “inequality” as a problem in social theory;
 Recognize some approaches are not generally included in the Sociological canon and understand
the factors behind their exclusion.
Required Readings
These books have been ordered for this course and can be purchased in paperback at the HSU bookstore:
Explorations in Classical Sociological Theory. (3rd Edition) Kenneth Allan. Pine Forge Press, 2013.
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The Women Founders: Sociology and Social Theory 1830–1930, A Text/Reader. (2nd Edition) Patricia
Madoo Lengermann and Gillian Niebrugge. Waveland Press, 2007.
Capitalism and Classical Sociological Theory. (2nd Edition) John Bratton, Linda Deutschmann & David
Denham. University of Toronto Press, 2014.
The Community Manifesto. Karl Marx and Fredrick Engels. Penguin, 2002.
The Souls of Black Folk. W.E.B. Du Bois. Penguin, 1996.
Recommended:
Collins’ Web-linked Dictionary of Sociology David Jary & Julia Jary. Harper Collins Publishers 2005
ISBN: 9780090851828
Moodle: I have placed a large amount of readings and other useful references on Moodle, but they are not
all required unless I have listed them on the course schedule (M). Only the readings listed on the course
schedule will be included on exams. Be careful to check which are required and which are not. The
“recommended” materials are for your research purposes and material from these readings will not
be on exams. I’ve included these supplemental materials for those who would like to learn more about
sociological theory.
Students are responsible for all messages, assignments and reading materials sent via email. Check
it often!
Note that at the top of the Moodle page is a document “ASA Style Sheet.” This is the only acceptable
formatting for papers turned in for this course (and most others in the department).
I do not accept or respond to email messages through Moodle.
Scholarly journals that regularly publish articles on theory include the following:
Sociological Theory
Social Text
Monthly Review
European Journal of Social Theory
New Left Review
Cambridge Journal of Economics
Rethinking Marxism
Science and Society
Review of Radical Political Economics
Course Requirements
Key Concepts Homework (25%)
An important part of reading and responding to theoretical texts involves noticing important
concepts, understanding how theorists use them, and grasping their significance in a broader theoretical
scheme. Students will be assigned key concepts assignments weekly to be turned in and graded. A
grading rubric for these will be used which I have also placed on Moodle. These are worth a total of 25%
of your grade.
Class Discussion Groups (10%)
In this seminar class, students will be assigned to groups (3 students per group) to lead discussions
on specific days during the semester in order to ensure that all students take an active role in the course.
Students should prepare to lead two (2) meaningful discussions in class.
PLEASE READ THIS SECTION BELOW THOROUGHLY BEFORE YOU LEAD YOUR
DISCUSSION!
Content when leading discussion. The presentations must a) communicate the content/chief points/key
concept of the presentation reading, b) discuss the strengths, weaknesses, or complications in the
theoretical perspective(s) being discussed for the day, and c) important issues for the class to discuss and
think about, and d) direct questions for the class that will stimulate students to draw connections between
what you have presented and what they already know. In your preparation, please make sure that your
group covers a) thru d) above. Each student in the group should plan on spending equal time leading the
discussion and touch on a) through d) individually.
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Presenters are required to provide handouts and/or power point for the class. If you wish to use a video,
please ask me first. Videos are best used when you show only a few minutes of them. If you would like
me to help you prepare your presentation, I will be happy to do so. I am also happy to schedule a followup meeting to reflect on the presentation with you.
Evaluating the presentations. I will send you my evaluation of the presentation (by e-mail) within a week.
I will be looking to see specifically that you have satisfied the expectations mentioned above. Each
student must lead two (2) separate sessions (each is worth 5% of your final grade).
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Remember that each student must cover a) through d) individually to
get full credit for this assignment.
Examinations (30%)
There will be a mid-term and a final examination given during the usual scheduled exam periods. I
will provide study guides which will be handed out a week before the scheduled exam. Each exam is
worth 15% of your grade for a total of 30% for the two exams.
Theoretical Essays (30%)
There will be three (3) essay assignments. Late papers will be graded down 5% per calendar day
or 35% per week. Essays are due at the beginning of class on the date due. If you drop it off after class or
you come late to class, your grade will be lowered.
Policy on Essays
Essays should be written carefully, checking to make sure that you are making your point clearly.
If you don't have a point to make then you know that you are in trouble and should see me for help.
Please see the file on writing a good essay that I have posted on Moodle. Please check this before you
write your papers.
These short papers must be typed, proofread and definitely NOT your first draft. You are
encouraged to consult with your classmates, following the usual ethics governing such things. Do not
copy from books or the web, as this has been a disastrous tactic for students in the past (it is called
plagiarism and there is now software used to detect it). These essays may not be longer than four typed
pages (single spaced and 12 point font).
Submit copies in HARD COPY ONLY, as I DO NOT ACCEPT EMAIL PAPERS.
If an essay receives a grade lower than a “C,” the essay may be redone within one week of the paper’s
return from the instructor. “Re-writes” are allowed on essays only. The first version of the essay must be
stapled to the second or “redone” version.
Attendance and Participation (5%)
Regular class attendance and meaningful participation are required for this course. Attendance
will be taken daily. Your attendance grade will be reduced if more than three class meetings are missed.
Miss more than 3 classes and your grade will drop by one half a letter grade. Students who miss 6
classes will receive no better than a D in the course. Students who miss more than 6 classes (three weeks)
will receive an F for the course. There are no excused absences. It's just like a job (except that this is
more important)--after you use up your sick time (3 days), it comes out of your check. If you chronically
arrive late or leave early I also reserve the right to mark you absent. If you chronically come to
class not having done the readings or text message in class, I reserve the right to mark you absent
for that day. This course will not add to your understanding of your major unless you actually take part
in it. Nearly all class meetings will contain at least some lecture material. Lectures will relate to the
readings and go beyond it. Therefore, you will decrease your study time and increase your
comprehension of the material considerably by reading assignments before coming to class. It is the
responsibility of the student to bring up questions about the readings. If there are few questions I
assume that the material is understood; if there are no questions I assume that the reading was not done.
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Policy on Deadlines and Excused Absences
In fairness to all students, assignment dates are firm. Assignments are considered on time if handed to me at the
beginning of class or in my box at the department office prior to the beginning of class on the date they are due.
Otherwise, late assignments will be graded down (3% per calendar day or 21% per week). Absences are considered
excused in the case of your hospitalization or death of an immediate family member (documentation required). All
other reasons for absences are considered unexcused. Sleeping late, inability to find parking, speeding tickets, and
the like are not considered excused absences. Assignments are due on the designated dates at the beginning of
class. Late papers will only be accepted based on the above conditions.
Moodle
Moodle will be used to post announcements and distribute lecture related handouts, essay
assignments, study guides, additional readings and other resources as listed on the site itself. To get
assistance with Moodle contact the HELP desk.
THE USE OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IS NOT ALLOWED DURING CLASS.
This includes computers, cell phones, Blackberries/iphones, ipods/mp3 players, voice recorders,
electronic cigarettes, etc. Appropriate exceptions will be made for those with special needs. If I see
you fussing with any of these during our class time I reserve the right to mark you absent for the
day, so please have these tucked away in a location that will not encourage their use.
Grading
The goal of the writing assignments and exams described above is to facilitate your learning and
understanding of the course material. Therefore, I use a non-competitive grade scale. This means that the
grade you receive will depend entirely on your mastery of the course material, not on how well you
perform compared to others in class. If you want to earn an “A” in this class you can anticipate spending
an average of 6 to 8 hours each week on outside classroom activities such as reading, writing, and
reflecting on course material.
*Note that I have a policy that all late assignments must be turned in, regardless of the grade you
will get. Students that fail to turn in any assignment will receive and F for the course.
Grading Scale
A = 95-100%
A- = 90-94%
B+ = 87-89%
B = 83-86%
B- = 80-82%
C+ = 77-79%
C = 73-76%
C- = 70-72%
D+ = 67-69%
D = 63-66%
D- = 60-62%
F = 0-59%
Rewrites
The essay assignments may be redone only once if you receive a grade below a C. Exams and other
writing assignments may not be redone.
Meaning of grade symbols for this class:
A = Outstanding Achievement (96-100; - 90-95)
B = Very good, commendable achievement (+87-89; 83-86; - 80-82)
C = Satisfactory achievement (+77-79; 73-76;) C- 70-72 not acceptable for the major)
D = Minimum performance (in Sociology, may not be used toward major)(60-69)
F = Failure without credit (below 60)
Please note: any variety of an “A” demonstrates that a student has:
1. Exceeded the requirements of the assignment
2. Demonstrated imaginative, critical thinking, independence of thought and other signs of a fine effort
3. Contributed to the learning environment of the course
4. Been consistently responsible, prepared and professional
5. Shown considerable growth and development from the beginning of the course to the end.
Note: A “C” grade or better must be earned to count toward the sociology major.
Please note that all written assignments are checked by software called “Turn-It-In,” designed to detect
plagiarism.
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Additional Information
HSU Learning Outcomes
This course explicitly contributes to students’ acquisition of skills and knowledge relevant to the
following
HSU Learning Outcomes:
HSU graduates will have demonstrated:
1. Effective communication through written and oral modes.
2. Critical and creative thinking skills in acquiring a broad base of knowledge and applying it to
complex issues.
3. Competence in a major area of study.
4. Appreciation for and understanding of an expanded world perspective by engaging respectfully
with a diverse range of individuals, communities, and viewpoints.
HSU graduates will be prepared to:
1. Succeed in their chosen careers.
2. Take responsibility for identifying personal goals and practicing lifelong learning.
3. Pursue social justice, promote environmental responsibility, and improve economic conditions in
their workplaces and communities.
Sociology Major Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a BA in Sociology will be able to
1. Think critically about social justice efforts and inequalities in communities and environments.
2. Develop a solid foundation in sociological theory.
3. Make linkages between empirical data and theoretical concepts.
4. Develop appropriate research designs and instruments to answer sociological questions.
5. Apply appropriate techniques to the analysis and presentation of data.
6. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Classroom Behavior
This course may produce discomfort – sociology is considered by many to be subversive. Sociology
looks at the institutions and structures of society critically: facades are stripped away and society is
exposed for what is really is. Since we all will have something to say, but may be saying vastly different,
even contradictory things, the following few simple, common sense guidelines will be adhered to while in
this course. If everyone follows these our class time together will be a pleasant experience for us all.
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Acknowledge that prejudice and discrimination based on race, class, sex, sexual orientation, and
physical differences exist.
Acknowledge that all of us have learned misinformation about our own group and about members of
other groups, whether we belong to a majority or a minority group, from the mass media and other
sources.
Assume that people in this class are doing the best they can do.
Never demean, devalue, or in any way “put down” people for their experiences, backgrounds, or
statements. This does not mean that you can’t disagree, only that you do so with respect.
Please don’t interrupt. Listen before speaking.
Please arrive on time. If you must come late, please sit down as quietly as possible.
Please do not pack up your belongings before the end of class. I do keep an eye on the clock and will
let you out in time. In exchange, I ask that you refrain from shuffling papers, etc. before class is over.
Do not be deceived by the illusion of anonymity in this class. You are visible to everyone, so please
do not talk to your friends, sleep, read newspapers, listen to music, surf the web, etc. All of these
behaviors are distracting to other students.
Please turn off all cell phones and any other little beeping, shrieking, or music-making devices before
you come to class. Absolutely no cell phone, text messaging, or laptop use is allowed in this class.
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Violations will result in a deduction in your final grade. Frequent offenders will be asked to leave the
class.
 Do not interrupt others or talk to your neighbor while others are speaking.
 Address your fellow classmates respectfully, whether or not you agree with their particular opinions
on something.
 Do not read the newspaper, work on an assignment for another class, or otherwise be disengaged from
what is going on in the classroom.
 Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding attendance and disruptive behavior: See the
HSU policy http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/judicial/attendance_behavior.php
Campus Resources
Students with Disabilities: Persons who wish to request disability-related accommodations should
contact the Student Disability Resource Center in House 71, 826-4678 (voice) or 826-5392 (TDD).
Some accommodations may take up to several weeks to arrange. http://www.humboldt.edu/~sdrc/
Add/Drop policy: Students are responsible for knowing the University policy, procedures, and
schedule for dropping or adding classes. http://www.humboldt.edu/~reg/regulations/schedadjust.html
Emergency evacuation: Please review the evacuation plan for the classroom (posted on the orange
signs), and review
http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/emergencyops/campus_emergency_preparedness.php
for information on campus Emergency Procedures. During an emergency, information can be found
campus conditions at: 826-INFO or http://www.humboldt.edu/~humboldt/emergency
Attendance and disruptive behavior: Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding
attendance and disruptive behavior:
http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/judicial/attendance_behavior.php
Academic honesty: Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding academic honesty. For
more information, visit: http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/judicial/academic_honesty.php
or http://www.humboldt.edu/~reg/catalog.html
Ground Rules:
1. Be on time to class and plan to stay for the whole class. It is disruptive to other students to arrive
late or leave class early. If you need to do this for medical reasons, please speak to me before
class begins.
2. Civil behavior is expected at all times. We will discuss topics that will involve different and
sometimes opposing views to others in the class. Students who do not act in a civil manner during
class will be asked to leave the room and will be marked absent for that day. Civil behavior
includes but is not limited to: listening when others are speaking without interrupting, speaking in
a normal tone and not shouting, being respectful of others at all times. Students in class are
expected to be there for class, not as a study hall or a place to read the paper. Electronic devices
including “ear-buds” or ear-phones” are not allowed. Activities other than class activities will not
be allowed in class and are considered disruptive and disrespectful of others. (For specifics please
see HSU 2010-2011 Catalog, The Fine Print page 276 – I have attached it as page 6)
3. Before class begins, turn your cell phone off. If it rings in class, I will be happy to answer it.
4. Food is not allowed in the class room.
5. Be honest. Although group learning and study groups are encouraged, class assignments and
exams are individual student products. Cheating will not be tolerated. Please be familiar with
HSU policies around Academic Honesty (HSU 2010-2011 Catalog, The Fine Print page 37 – I
have attached it as page 9)
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Soc 310: Sociological Theory -- Course Schedule
Week 1
8/25 T
8/27 Th
Week 2
9/1 T
9/3 Th
Introduction to Course; Syllabus
Foundations of Classical Theory
Modernity and the Enlightenment
Week 3
9/8 T
9/10 Th
Class Inequality: Marx
Week 4
9/15 T
9/17 Th
Economics of Capitalism: Marx
Week 5
9/22 T
9/24 Th
Diversity and Social Solidarity:
Durkheim
Week 6
9/29 T
10/1 Th
Religion: Durkheim
Week 7
10/6 T
10/8 Th
Methodology of the Social
Sciences: Weber
Week 8
10/13 T
10/15Th
Rationality and Social
Organization: Weber
Week 9
10/20 T
10/22 Th
Symbolic Interactionism: Mead
Week 10
10/27 T
10/29 Th
The Individual in Modernity:
Simmel
Week 11
11/3 T
11/5 Th
Gender and Social Theory: A
Science of Society
Soc 310: Sociological Theory
SYLLABUS
Allan Ch 1,
Bratton, Denham & Deutschmann Ch. 1, 2&3
Allen (Moodle) Ch 11,
Allan Ch 2,
Tuesday: Key Concepts #1 Due
Bratton, Denham & Deutschmann Ch 4,
Allan, pp. 57 – 77
Allan, pp. 77 – 107
Bratton, Denham & Deutschmann Ch 5,
Tuesday: Key Concepts #2 Due
Bratton, Denham & Deutschmann Ch 6,
Communist Manifesto 1-40
Communist Manifesto, 41- End
Thursday: Verbal Progress Report for Essay #1
Allen, pp. 109-132
Bratton, Denham & Deutschman Ch 7,
Bratton, Denham & Deutschmann Ch 8,
Durkheim on Suicide (Moodle)
Thursday: Essay #1 Due
Allan, pp. 132-155
Durkheim Part 1 (Moodle)
Bratton, Denham & Deutschmann Ch 9,
Durkheim Part 2 (Moodle)
Thursday: Key Concepts #3 Due
Allan, pp. 157-193
Bratton, Denham & Deutschmann Ch 10,
Allan pp. 193-214
Weber, The Nature of Social Action (Moodle)
Bratton, Denham & Deutschmann Ch 11 & 12,
Weber, Classes, Status Groups and Parties (Moodle)
Weber, Protestant Asceticism and the Spirit of
Capitalism (Moodle)
Weber, The Nature of Charismatic Domination (M
Thursday: Key Concepts #4 Due
Verbal Progress Report for Essay #2
MIDTERM EXAM
Allan, pp. 215-237
Allan, pp. 237 -262
Simmel “The Metropolis and Mental Life”, (Moodle)
Thursday: Essay #2 Due
Bratton, Denham & Deutschmann, Ch 13
Allan, pp. 263-282
Bratton, Denham & Deutschmann, Ch 14
Lengernmann & Niebrugge, Ch 1
Lengernmann & Niebrugge, Ch 2
Allan, pp. 282-297
Thursday: Key Concepts #5 Due
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Week 12
11/10 T
11/12 Th
Week 13
11/17T
11/19 Th
Nov. 23-27
Ethics, Gender, and Social
Structure
Week 14
12/1 T
12/3 Th
The Culture of Race: Douglass &
Du Bois
Week 15
12/8 T
12/10 Th
Course Wrap-up
Lengernmann & Niebrugge, Ch 3
Lengernmann & Niebrugge, Ch 4
Foundations of Black Feminist
Sociology
Thanksgiving Break
Finals Week
Dec. 15-19
Lengernmann & Niebrugge, Ch 5
Thursday: Key Concepts # 6 Due
Lengernmann & Niebrugge, Ch 7, Epilogue
Safe Travels
Allan, Ch 8
Verbal Progress Report for Essay #3
Bratton, Denham & Deutschmann Ch. 15
Zuckerman on Du Bois (Moodle)
Du Bois, Souls of Black Folk 1-3
Du Bois, Souls of Black Folk 4-End
Du Bois, “On Women” pp. 149-159 (Moodle), &
“On Labor” pp. 113-132 (Moodle)
Thursday: Essay #3 Due
Allen, Ch 9
Bratton, Denham & Deutschmann Chpt 16
FINAL 12/17 Thursday 8:00 – 9:50
Revised 8/31/2
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The Fine Print (2010-2011 Humboldt State University Catalog page 37 and 274-276)
Academic Honesty: (P. 37)
Academic honesty is of serious concern at Humboldt. It is integral to all six principles for building a successful campus community (see Rights & Responsibilities),
especially to the maintenance of a “just” and “disciplined” campus. Students are expected to maintain high standards of academic integrity.
Academic Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty is willful and intentional fraud and deception to improve a grade or obtain course credit. It includes all student behavior intended to gain
unearned academic advantage by fraudulent and/or deceptive means.
Cheating
Cheating is defined as obtaining or attempting to obtain, or aiding another in obtaining or attempting to obtain, credit for work or any improvement in evaluation of
performance by any dishonest or deceptive means. Cheating includes, but is not limited to:
Taking Information
a) Copying graded homework assignments from another student.
b) Working together on a take-home test or homework when specifically prohibited by the instructor.
c) Looking at another student’s paper during an examination.
d) Looking at text or notes during an examination when specifically prohibited by the instructor.
e) Accessing another student’s computer and using his/her program as one’s own.
Providing Information
a) Giving one’s work to another to be copied or used in an oral presentation.
b) Giving answers to another student during an examination.
c) After having taken an exam, informing another person in a later section about questions appearing on that exam.
d) Providing a term paper to another student.
e) Taking an exam, writing a paper, or creating a computer program or artistic work for another.
Policy on Cheating:
At faculty discretion, cheating may result in an F grade on the assignment or examination or in the course. If a student denies the charge of cheating, she/he will be
permitted to remain in the class during the formal hearing process (as outlined in CSU Executive Order 628).
The instructor shall contact the student in writing with evidence of the cheating within one week of discovery of the event. The Academic Dishonesty Referral
form will also be submitted to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, with copies to the student and to the student’s major department. Student’s rights
shall be ensured through attention to matters of due process, including timeliness of action.
The Student Discipline Coordinator, located in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, shall determine if any further disciplinary action is required.
Disciplinary actions might include, but are not limited to: requiring special counseling; loss of membership in organizations; suspension or dismissal from individual
programs; or disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion from the university and the CSU system.
Plagiarism;
Plagiarism is defined as the act of using the ideas or work of another person or persons as if they were one’s own without giving proper credit to the sources. Such
actions include, but are not limited to:
a) Copying homework answers from the text to hand in for a grade.
b) Failing to give credit for ideas, statements of facts, or conclusions derived by another author. Failure to use quotation marks when quoting directly from
another, whether it be a paragraph, a sentence, or part thereof.
c) Submitting a paper purchased from a “research” or term paper service.
d) Retyping a friend’s paper and handing it in as one’s own.
e) Giving a speech or oral presentation written by another and claiming it as one’s own work.
f) Claiming credit for artistic work done by someone else, such as a music composition, photos, a painting, drawing, sculpture, or design.
g) Presenting another’s computer program as one’s own.
Policy on Plagiarism:
Plagiarism may be considered a form of cheating and, therefore, subject to the same policy as cheating, which requires notification of the Office of the Vice President
for Student Affairs and disciplinary action. However, as there may be plagiarism as a result of poor learning or inattention to format, and there may be no intent to
deceive, some instructor discretion is appropriate. Under such circumstances, the instructor may elect to work with the student to correct the problem at an informal
level. In any case that any penalty is applied, the student must be informed of the event being penalized and the penalty.
Within one week of discovery of the alleged plagiarism, the instructor will contact the student and describe the event deemed to be dishonest. If this is a first
violation by the student, this initial contact may remain at an informal level. In this contact, the student and instructor shall attempt to come to a resolution of the
event. The instructor may assign an F or zero on the exam or project or take other action within the structure of the class as deemed appropriate to the student’s
behavior. A report of this contact and resolution might be filed with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for information-only purposes. Such a report
will be witnessed by both the instructor and student. If no resolution can be reached within a week of initial contact, the case could be referred to the Office of the
Vice President for Student Affairs using the Academic Dishonesty Referral form.
If the violation is repeated, the instructor will contact the student within one week of discovery, describe the event deemed to be dishonest, and notify the
student that the Academic Dishonesty Referral form has been filed with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
When a case is referred to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the consequences might be severe. Disciplinary actions might include, but are
not limited to: requiring special counseling; loss of membership in organizations; suspension or dismissal from individual programs; or disciplinary probation,
suspension, or expulsion from the university and the CSU system.
Other Examples of Academic Dishonesty:
Other forms of academic dishonesty include any actions intended to gain academic advantage by fraudulent and/or deceptive means not addressed specifically in the
definition of cheating and/or plagiarism. These actions may include, but are not limited to:
a) Planning with one or more fellow students to commit any form of academic dishonesty together.
b) Giving a term paper, speech, or project to another student whom one knows will plagiarize it.
c) Having another student take one’s exam or do one’s computer program, lab experiment, or artistic work.
d) Lying to an instructor to increase a grade.
e) Submitting substantially the same paper or speech for credit in two different courses without prior approval of the instructors involved.
f) Altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for regarding without the instructor’s prior approval.
g) Removing tests from the classroom without the approval of the instructor—or stealing tests.
The policy on these and other forms of academic dishonesty is the same as that described above for cheating.
Student Responsibility
The student has full responsibility for the content and integrity of all academic work submitted. Ignorance of a rule does not constitute a basis for waiving the rule or
the consequences of that rule. Students unclear about a specific situation should ask their instructors, who will be happy to explain what is and is not acceptable in
their classes. For further information on the disciplinary process and sanctions, see the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Nelson Hall East 216, or the
Dean for Academic Programs & Undergraduate Studies, Siemens Hall 216G.
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Rights & Responsibilities (Student) for a Campus Community (P. 276)
In 1990 the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching issued a special report entitled Campus Life: In Search of Community. The report
challenged the nation’s universities to build campus communities based upon six principles:
 First, a university is an educationally purposeful community, where faculty and students share academic goals and work together to strengthen teaching and
learning.
 Second, a university is an open community, where freedom of expression is uncompromisingly protected and where civility is powerfully affirmed.
 Third, a university is a just community, where the sacredness of the person is honored and where diversity is aggressively pursued.
 Fourth, a university is a disciplined community, where individuals accept their obligations to the group and where well-defined governance procedures guide
behavior for the common good.
 Fifth, a university is a caring community, where the well-being of each member is sensitively supported and where service to others is encouraged.
 Sixth, a university is a celebrative community, one in which the heritage of the institution is remembered and where rituals affirming both tradition and change are
widely shared.
Humboldt State University accepts this challenge and to this end presents specific implications of these principles in the areas of student life and activity.
Diversity & Common Ground
The principles enunciated as a basis for campus community require that students accord one another the fundamental respect due to fellow human beings and that
they respect the various cultural traditions contributing to the richness of our human heritage. While freedom of thought and expression are values deeply held in an
academic community, freedom should not be construed as license to engage in demeaning remarks or actions directed against individuals or groups on the basis of
race, ethnicity, or gender.
Class Attendance & Disruptive Behavior
Students have the right to attend and participate in all classes for which they are officially enrolled. They may be denied only for the purpose of maintaining suitable
circumstances for teaching and learning. Any student who has neglected the work of the course or is disruptive to the educational process may be excluded from a
course.
Attendance. At Humboldt, regular and punctual class attendance is expected. Each instructor establishes regulations regarding attendance requirements. It is the
responsibility of the student to make arrangements regarding class work in those cases where the student’s absence is because of participation in intercollegiate
athletics, forensics, drama festivals, music tours, and the like.
Disruptive Behavior. Disruptive student behavior in the classroom is defined as behavior which interrupts, obstructs, or inhibits the teaching and learning processes.
The faculty member determines what is disruptive and has a duty to terminate it. Disruptive behavior may take many forms: persistent questioning, incoherent
comments, verbal attacks, unrecognized speaking out, incessant arguing, intimidating shouting, and inappropriate gestures.
Disruptive classroom behavior may, on the other hand, result from overzealous classroom participation, lack of social skills, or inappropriately expressed anger
at the course content. Sometimes there is a thin line between controlling the learning environment and permitting students’ academic freedom, between intentional
and unintentional disruption. Faculty have the responsibility to maintain a learning environment in which students are free to question and criticize constructively and
appropriately. Faculty also have the authority and responsibility to establish rules, to maintain order, and to eject students from the course temporarily for violation of
the rules or misconduct. The faculty member shall give at least one verbal warning to a student to cease in-class disruptive behavior. In cases of abusive behavior,
this requirement may be waived. In addition, if the in-class disruption does not cease, an attempt shall be made to resolve the problem in a conference between the
faculty member and the student. If disruption occurs after these two measures are taken, the instructor may file a complaint with the office of the Vice President for
Student Affairs to initiate university disciplinary action which may result in the student’s permanent exclusion from the course and other disciplinary sanctions.
Ordinarily, if a student banned from a course has passing status, the student will be granted a grade of W—withdrawal. In cases where a student exhibits abusive
behavior, is physically abusive, or threatens physical abuse, a verbal warning from the faculty member is not necessary. Examples might include directed profanity,
physical disruption of the classroom, or threatening behavior. The University Police may be requested to escort the student from the class and an interim suspension
may be imposed by the president. Individuals in attendance in a course in which they are not officially enrolled may be excluded from the course by the instructor.
Nondiscrimination Policy (P. 274)
Race, Color Ethnicity, National Origin, Age and Religion. The California State University complies with the requirements of Title VI and Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, as well as other applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination. No person shall, on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national
origin, age, or religion be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in any program of the California State
University.
Disability. The California State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and
activities. Federal laws, including sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and various state laws
prohibit such discrimination. Diversity and Compliance Services, Siemens Hall 220, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA 95521-8299, 707-826-4501, has been
designated to coordinate the efforts of Humboldt State University to comply with all relevant disability laws. Inquiries concerning compliance may be addressed to
this department.
Sex/Gender. The California State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation in the educational programs or activities it
conducts. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws prohibit discrimination on these bases in education programs and
activities operated by Humboldt State University. Such programs and activities include admission of students and employment. Inquiries concerning the application
of these laws to programs and activities of Humboldt may be referred to Diversity and Compliance Services (see contact information above), the office with the
administrative responsibility of reviewing such matters, or to the Regional Director of the Office for Civil Rights, United States Department of Education, 50 Beale
Street, Suite 7200, San Francisco, California 94105. The California State University is committed to providing equal opportunities to male and female CSU students
in all campus programs, including intercollegiate athletics.
Humboldt State University: University Management Letter 03-01 Humboldt State University Nondiscrimination Policy February, 2003 (language clarification
09/2008) UML 03-01 (Supersedes University Management Letter 00-03).
Humboldt State University is committed to maintaining an environment free from unlawful discrimination. To fulfill this commitment, the University will work
to prevent unlawful discrimination from occurring and will ensure that University policies prohibiting discrimination are fully enforced.
The University affirms and protects the rights of students and employees to seek and obtain the services of the University without discrimination. No employee
or student shall on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or national or ethnic origin be
excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, under any
program of the University.
Employees and students who cause these rights to be violated may be subject to discipline. This policy should not be interpreted as superseding or
interfering with collective bargaining agreements or other California State University policies and procedures currently in effect. If discipline of an employee is
sought as a remedy under this policy, the procedural rights under applicable collective bargaining agreements and system-wide procedures will continue to apply.
However, those rights may not supersede or interfere with the requirements of state and federal law. [Procedures for processing complaints of unlawful
discrimination are available in the Office of President, Siemens Hall 224, and can be found online at http://www.humboldt.edu/~hsupres/uml/uml03-01.html
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